News

Burbn’s popular photo-sharing app Instagram (free) has added video in version 4.0. The addition will provoke comparisons to Vine, but the two are much different: Instagram video lets users take video clips as long as 15 seconds, and 13 video filters are also available. Videos notably do not loop, as they do in Vine. Cinema, an image stabilization feature, is available for those using the app on an iPhone 4S or 5.

Lytro, maker of the Lytro Light Field Camera, has released a Lytro (free) app for iOS. The company has awakened the camera’s hitherto-unknown Wi-Fi capabilities in order to interact with the app, letting users share photos to Facebook and Twitter. Lytro’s app also lets users save photos as animated GIFs that can be emailed or sent via text. The Lytro Light Field Camera lets users refocus pictures after they’re taken, and allows interactive “living pictures” to be refocused endlessly—a neat technology that our editors felt wasn’t ready for prime time after testing the camera.

Following an earlier public disclosure that it was looking to sell its Harmony remote control business, Logitech has announced that it will retain the well-known product line. In a release, Logitech said, “The company has determined that retaining ownership is in the best interest of its shareholders. The Harmony product line has gained momentum following the April introduction of the Hamony Ultimate product, which is available in major retail locations including select Apple stores in the U.S., and has exceeded the company’s expectations for customer connections.”

Logitech also announced that the Logitech Harmony Hub – a bundled component with Harmony Ultimate and Harmony Smart Control that turns iOS devices into universal remotes – will be available for purchase as a standalone $100 product this August. Harmony Hub is a universal remote control accessory for iOS devices, consisting of a wall-powered 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi receiver, Infrared blaster, and Bluetooth 3.0 chip. The glossy black accessory transforms Wi-Fi commands sent by an iOS device into Infrared or Bluetooth control signals for TVs, A/V components, and game consoles. It’s an upgraded version of the company’s prior Harmony Link, notably adding better software and Bluetooth support.

A recently published Apple patent shows that the company is exploring a fingerprint scanner that can be included in a conductive bezel on a device. In the described invention, the user would swipe his or her finger over a surface of a sensor. The sensor would capture “thin strips” of a fingerprint during the swipe; the complete fingerprint would then be “assembled in software for use in authentication.”

It’s unclear which bezel the sensor would be on, and whether it would be a visible or hidden feature. There has been speculation that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5S will include a fingerprint scanner, most frequently believed to be embedded within the Home Button, but this patent suggests that other locations on the device are possible and potentially even preferable as flat, swipe-ready surfaces. It’s unknown whether the technology will make it into Apple’s next device, or future devices. [via Patently Apple]

A Pegatron executive appears to have confirmed that Apple will be producing a new, lower-cost iPhone this year, while suggesting that it will not be “cheap.” While translations of the new report from Chinese are shaky, the company’s chairman allegedly said that the “price is still high,” and apparently said that the new device will bring greater value to the smartphone marketplace. It’s unclear whether this means Apple’s new phone will cost as much as the current low-end iPhone 4, or that Pegatron and Apple are already trying to ensure the public doesn’t associate the word “cheap” with the new device. A May report noted Pegatron would be the primary assembler of Apple’s new low-cost iPhone. [via China Times]

Boris Teksler, who headed Patent Licensing and Strategy at Apple for four years, recently left the company to join Technicolor, a French media and entertainment company. Teksler notably played a large role in the company’s patent battles with Samsung, and departed while Apple and Samsung remain tangled in litigation. [via Apple Insider]

Noted within Apple’s official announcement regarding HBO GO and WatchESPN launching on Apple TV, the company has disclosed that iTunes users have downloaded more than one billion TV episodes and 380 million movies from iTunes. While the numbers pale by comparison with app and song download numbers, they represent interesting milestones for video content. Apple notes that iTunes users are now purchasing more than 800,000 TV episodes and more than 350,000 movies per day. The Apple TV now offers users more than 60,000 movies and more than 230,000 TV episodes.

Apple today released Apple TV Software Update 5.3, the latest update for its second- and third-generation set-top boxes. The latest update adds support for HBO GO, WatchESPN, Sky News, Qello, and Crunchyroll for users in specific regions such as the United States. HBO GO and WatchESPN require cable subscriptions through participating providers. Qello offers both paid and free subscriptions for users to watch on-demand HD concerts and music documentaries. A free live stream of Sky News will be accessible for users in the U.S., U.K., and Ireland. Apple notes that “Crunchyroll, the leading global video service for Japanese Anime and Asian media, will allow subscribers worldwide to watch the latest HD shows one hour after they air in Japan.”

Apple has yet to update its Apple TV Software Update page with more detailed information on the release, so it is unclear yet if there are any other changes. Apple TV Software Update 5.3 is available now via the Software Update feature of the Apple TV’s Settings menu.

Apple is reportedly testing “deep LinkedIn integration” for the release of iOS 7. Similar to prior integration of Facebook and Twitter, a single sign-on system for LinkedIn accounts was found within code in the first beta of iOS 7. Apple could introduce this feature in the final release of iOS 7, but it’s also possible that it could vanish entirely after internal testing. An earlier report regarding Apple’s plans to integrate Flickr and Vimeo into iOS 7 for photo and video sharing turned out to be true. However, the rationale behind deeply integrating LinkedIn isn’t as obvious, unless it’s merely to offer users easy access to yet another social network. [via 9to5Mac]

Accessory makers are already making cases for Apple’s new iPhones based on leaked “design plans believed to have originated at Apple,” according to a new report. The schematics show an iPhone 5S that closely resembles the iPhone 5. The other phone, referred to in the report as “iPhone Light,” shows the device as slightly wider, taller, and thicker, with rounded edges.

Both schematics are consistent with our initial January reports on the budget iPhone and iPhone 5S, the latter of which notably features a larger rear flash. The schematics offer no specific indications on rumors that the budget iPhone will feature a plastic shell or multiple colors. [via Apple Insider]

Gangstar Vegas ($7) is the latest installment in Gameloft’s Gangstar series. Like earlier Gangstar titles, it’s a sandbox-style action and driving game in the Grand Theft Auto mold, letting you walk, fight, steal cars, and fire weapons across multiple missions. This edition notably includes an impressive rendition of Las Vegas, featuring renamed versions of many of the famous Strip hotels, including the pyramid-like Luxor, Treasure Island, and Wynn. Within minutes of starting the game, you get to experience an updated melee fighting engine complete with kickboxing moves, a vehicular gun and rocket launcher battle on the strip, and the use of several different kinds of vehicles. Amazingly detailed human character models have some of the most realistic faces we’ve seen in any iOS title, and like the GTA series, full voice acting and radio-like music selections are included.

Man of Steel ($3) by Warner Bros. was released last week, just before the movie of the same name hit theaters. Developed by Phosphor Games — and unfortunately sold in separate iPad (HD) and iPhone/iPod versions — Man of Steel finds Superman getting into a series of one-on-one fights with opponents from the film, as well as other characters. The graphics engine is pretty impressive, with nice character models, textures, and destructible 3-D backgrounds that Superman can punch enemies through, but the gameplay is somewhat shoddy. Simple swipe and dodge controls make for fights that are like neutered versions of Infinity Blade battles, interrupted every time Superman hurls an opponent backwards through the air. Despite some impressive touches, Man of Steel feels rushed and not entirely satisfying.

More alleged iPhone 5S parts have leaked, as photos from Japanese part vendor Moumantai and U.S. repair shop iHeart Repair show what appear to be a display assembly and logic board for Apple’s new device. As expected, the parts look very similar to iPhone 5 parts, with generally the same proportions. However, a report notes the display assembly has both a horizontal and vertical flex cable connector, which appear to align with the logic board.

These parts differ slightly from those on the iPhone 5: the alleged 5S logic board has a somewhat more slender profile, as well as a more rounded top and bottom, which collectively could make a little extra room for a battery or other components inside a same-sized chassis. It also appears to have a spot for a larger A-series processor. [via MacRumors]

A new report confirms that the Apple TV will include support for Apple’s recently unveiled iTunes Radio service. With the initial Apple TV Software beta, released to developers alongside the iOS 7 beta, iTunes Radio appears as a standalone app with its own icon. A series of stations compiled by Apple is apparently provided, along with the ability for users to create custom stations based on an artist, genre, or song and purchase the currently playing song through iTunes. [via 9to5Mac]

Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue revealed a number of additional details about Steve Jobs and the iBooks launch today while testifying in the DOJ’s e-book pricing conspiracy case. Cue said the “page curls” idea in the iBooks app when turning a page came from Steve Jobs, who also chose Winnie the Pooh as the free book to be included with the app. According to Cue, that’s partially because Jobs liked the book, and also because it showed off “beautiful color drawings, that had never been seen before in a digital book.” Also, Jobs used Ted Kennedy’s memoir, True Compass, during the first iPad demo because the Kennedy family “meant a lot to him.” Last week, Cue revealed a number of other details about the iBooks launch, most notably that Jobs had to be convinced of the idea of an Apple e-bookstore. [via AllThingsD]

Apple has released a statement on its website, titled Apple’s Commitment to Customer Privacy. The open letter reiterates and expands upon the company’s prior denials regarding PRISM, a U.S. government program which mines servers for data. In the statement, Apple details requests it has received for customer data from law enforcement officials, noting that it has repeatedly acted to protect as much data as possible while complying with lawful requests for information. Apple also notes that many of the requests were attempts to aid consumers impacted by lost devices or people. The company also says, “Apple has always placed a priority on protecting our customers’ personal data, and we don’t collect or maintain a mountain of personal details about our customers in the first place.”

Photos posted on German site Apfelpage.de (translated link) use an iOS 7 iPad emulator to show what some of Apple’s official apps might look like on an iPad running Apple’s new OS. The Control Center may not take up nearly as much screen space on the iPad, for instance.

Australian writer Sonny Dickson has posted these and many other images to his Twitter feed. Because an emulator is being used, iOS 7 may not look the same when it’s actually released for the iPad, however, the details point at the general direction Apple is taking with its tablet-specific interface. [via MacRumors]

A photo of what appears to be an iOS-specific gamepad accessory has been leaked. The controller is reportedly made by Logitech — a look at the gaming section of Logitech’s website shows the same “G” logo seen on the gamepad — and was apparently demonstrated following Apple’s WWDC keynote in San Francisco.

Apple’s recently posted guidelines for official game controller development show two types of controllers. The leaked gamepad resembles the first controller, made to fit an iPhone 5, with the control pad and buttons on each side of the inserted device. Given the similarities in shape between the iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch, it’s possible that both devices could work inside this accessory. [via Kotaku]

The latest edition of iLounge Weekly, our weekly newsletter covering all things iLounge, will be arriving in subscribers’ inboxes early next week. iLounge Weekly is a summary of the week’s best news, reviews, and feature articles we’ve published, and it also features giveaways and accessory discount offers from various companies. There’s still plenty of time to sign up and receive this week’s edition — just use the simple form below to submit your email address, if you haven’t done so already.

Also be sure to enter our two giveaways for June. In our Kensington Proximo Giveaway, iLounge and Kensington are giving away ten Proximo Bluetooth Proximity Monitoring Systems for tracking your iPhone, keys, and bags. In our MaxBoost Fusion Battery Case Giveaway, iLounge and MaxBoost are giving away ten Fusion Color Battery cases, each with a pack of compatible snap-cases for customizing them in your favourite colours. Simply fill out and submit the form on the giveaway page to enter; both giveaways will end on June 30, 2013 at 11:59PM Pacific Time. Good luck!

Apple has revealed some additional details about iOS 7 on its website. Images of iOS 7 on the iPad and iPad mini were spotted on the bottom of the Apple iOS 7 features page, showing iOS 7 on the second- and fourth-generation iPad, in addition to the iPad mini. A new red icon representing Photo Booth can be seen in these photos.

Additionally, viewing Apple’s iOS7 design page using a mobile device reveals a few alternate icons. The weather icon shows the live temperature, instead of a cloud and sun, and the Passbook, Reminders, Mail, and Photos icons also have been tweaked slightly. It’s unknown whether these alternate icons were from the iOS 7 developmental stage, or if they’ll be seen in future betas. [via iGen.fr, 9to5Mac]

Apple Senior Vice President Eddy Cue revealed Thursday that Steve Jobs “wasn’t interested” in an Apple e-bookstore at first. Cue, testifying in the DOJ’s e-book pricing conspiracy case against Apple, said Jobs “never felt that the Mac or the iPhone were ideal reading devices.” Jobs first dismissed the idea in the fall of 2009 — but as the iPad launch drew closer, Cue believed the device would be an ideal e-reader, and Jobs also became convinced. Jobs agreed to go forward with an e-bookstore in November, and Cue was tasked with getting iBooks completed for the iPad’s debut in January. [via AllThingsD]

Microsoft Office has finally launched for iOS, through the Office Mobile for Office 365 subscribers app. Notably, the app is only compatible with iPhone 5, 4S, 4, and the fifth-generation iPod touch — there is no iPad version. Though the app is free, an Office 365 subscription is required for use, as is iOS 6.1 or later.

Users of the app can edit Word, Excel, and Powerpoint documents. Other features include offline editing, cloud-connected documents, and the ability to create Word and Excel documents.